Yvette Guilbert

The artwork Yvette Guilbert was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894, executed as a lithograph printed in a distinctive, monochromatic olive green. This print is classified as part of a broader portfolio, a format Toulouse-Lautrec frequently employed to disseminate his keen observations of Parisian nightlife and culture. The choice of lithography allowed the artist to translate his rapid, expressive drawing style directly onto the printing stone, maintaining the immediacy of a sketch while reaching a wide audience.

The subject, Yvette Guilbert, was arguably the most famous entertainer of the Belle Époque, known for her dramatic stage presence and signature long black gloves. Toulouse-Lautrec was captivated by the cabaret star, rendering her not merely as a portrait but as an expressive caricature that captured her unique energy and sometimes caustic wit. Produced during the critical period of 1876 to 1900, this lithograph reflects the vibrant, often raw energy of the French entertainment scene and Toulouse-Lautrec’s immersion in the theaters and dance halls of Montmartre. He was instrumental in establishing the validity of graphic art and commercial prints as serious artistic mediums.

This masterful work demonstrates Toulouse-Lautrec's sophisticated understanding of line and silhouette, minimizing color to maximize impact. His innovation in printmaking fundamentally changed the direction of modern visual culture, moving art toward popular consumption and the aesthetics of the poster. As an essential example of French graphic arts from this era, the piece provides crucial insight into the transition between fine art and commercial design. The lithograph is preserved today in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of their historical significance and broad dissemination, many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s significant prints are increasingly available to scholars and the public through public domain initiatives.